The rapid rise of COVID-19 cases globally leads to a demanding need for communities to be educated upon the nature of the virus and its prevention methods. National news often stresses the regulations such as PPKM and the importance of vaccinating. As this matter proceeds, there has been one topic continuously accentuated in the media, the concept of virus mutations. A particular mutation of SARS-CoV-2 known as the Delta variant has been responsible for the growing amount of both cases and deaths, especially here in Indonesia. Thus, begging the question, what makes the Delta variant more deadly?
SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, also known as lineage B. 1.617.2, is a variant from lineage B. 1.617 of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the cause of COVID 19. Although much is still unknown, it is perceived to be the most transmissible strain variant so far, spreading more rapidly than the original strain and the Alpha variant first detected in the UK in late 2020. This mutation first made its appearance in December 2020, and since, the variant has been rapidly spreading in India and the United Kingdom, eventually becoming the dominant strain in both countries. Currently, the virus has been responsible for the majority of new cases in the world. Towards the end of June 2021, the Delta variant became responsible for more than 20% of infections in the United States, and in July, it was responsible for up to 80% of new cases in the United States.
To understand what makes the Delta variant more deadly, one must grasp how the virus infects the cells in the first place. To infect cells, SARS-CoV-2 must bind to the receptors located on the surface of cells. The virus, studded with a mushroom shape spike protein, latches onto a receptor called ACE2, which is found in many types of cells including those in the lining of the lungs. When such mutation transcends, it helps the virus bind more tightly with the receptors, allowing transmission from one person to another much more susceptible. According to NYU microbiologist Nathaniel Landau, "If a droplet contains viruses with better binding capabilities, they will be more efficient at finding and infecting one of your cells''. One other factor making the Delta variant more deadly is the possibility to evade the body’s immune response and thus increase the chance of transmission. With immune evasion, more cells become infected and produce more viruses, potentially making it easier for a person carrying the virus to infect others.
The demographic that is most at risk of getting infected with the Delta variant are people who are not vaccinated. Statistically speaking, most hospitalized patients at UC Davis Medical Centre are unvaccinated people. On the other hand, 97% of hospitalized patients in the United States due to COVID-19 are unvaccinated as of July 22. Vaccines are effective at preventing COVID-19 and are also effective in fighting the Delta variant. Notably, kids and young individuals are also at risk of getting infected with the Delta variant. Dr. Yildirim, a Yale pediatric infectious disease specialist, and vaccinologist says that “A recent study from the United Kingdom showed that children and adults under 50 were 2.5 times more likely to become infected with Delta “. The reasoning behind this is because most children have not been able to get vaccinated, thus resulting in a higher risk for getting infected for the Delta variant.
The Delta variant is neither the first nor last time the SARS-CoV-19 will mutate. With that in mind, it is crucial to remember that there is a possibility that this pandemic may worsen. The most viable method in tackling this variant is to play our part by following health protocols and, most significantly, getting vaccinated if we want this pandemic to cease. Stay safe readers!!
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